Dera Chief Ram Rahim Granted 30-Day Parole for the 16th Time
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda group, was released from prison on Tuesday after being granted a 30-day parole. He walked out of the Sunaria jail in Rohtak, Haryana, to begin his temporary release. This is the 16th time he has been allowed to leave prison since he was first convicted in 2017.
Singh is currently serving a 20-year sentence for the rape of two female followers. His case has been one of the most high-profile legal matters in India over the last decade. Despite the seriousness of his crimes, he has frequently been granted parole or furlough, which are types of temporary releases for prisoners.
During this 30-day period, Singh will stay at an ashram under specific conditions. Parole is generally granted based on a prisoner's behavior or for personal reasons, such as family events. However, the high number of releases for the Dera chief has led to significant public discussion and criticism from various groups.
Critics often point out that such frequent releases are rare for most inmates. They argue that the timing of his parole sometimes coincides with important local events or elections. On the other hand, prison officials maintain that the decisions are made strictly according to the law and prison regulations.
While on parole, Singh must follow strict rules set by the authorities. These rules usually include limits on where he can go and who he can meet. Once the 30 days are over, he is required to return to the Sunaria jail to continue serving his sentence.